One evening my friend and I went for a drive, and check on one of his neighbors. The neighbor was a long-time friend who I hadn’t met. When we arrived, Archie warmly invited us into his home. He greeted me kindly and took the time to show me all around his home that he’d built for his wife. When they originally purchased it, it had been a single room stone cabin, but Archie added on several rooms, a beautiful back porch and an upstairs. The home was filled with items that Archie and his late wife, June, had collected over the years. It was wonderful to be able to get to know Archie and June through their many treasures, and it was easy to see that Archie took great pride in them.
We visited for several hours. He shared stories about June and their marriage of 69 years and 8 months. He talked about their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and even told us a few stories from his time served during WWII. Archie had not had an easy life, but he’d never let that slow him down, even in his later years.
As we were leaving, Archie led us into a room where beautiful plants were thriving. He explained that these were June’s plants. When she was alive, he’d promised her that he would take good care of them. There were several different kinds, but by far, the largest number were beautiful African Violets with gorgeous blooms. Archie had taken leaves from the violets and propagated several more. He proudly told us that June had taught him the process before she’d passed away.
Before our visit ended, Archie reached down and picked up one of the prettiest pink violets and told me he wanted me to take it home. To Archie this was not only a plant, but a piece of June, and with no hesitation he offered it to me; a new friend he’d only known a few hours. This act of kindness touched my heart more than he will ever know.
Since becoming responsible for this beautiful plant, I have done some studying and learned that African Violets need special care. They must have adequate light to thrive, and tepid water works best. They also need to be fertilized often. God created us in the same way. We need the bright light (Jesus), the right water (baptism), and good fertilizer (God’s Word).
Every time I look at that violet I will think of Archie and June, their marriage and life together, and the kindness he showed to me by sharing a part of their story. Spending a few hours with Archie was time I will never regret!
Taylor Easttom, St. Luke’s Edmond Director of Children’s Ministry
